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Licorice Extract

What Licorice Extract is & what it does

Licorice root extract, valued for soothing the look of redness and gently brightening uneven tone. It is rich in antioxidants and well tolerated.

What is Licorice Extract and what does it do in sunscreen?

Licorice Extract comes from the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and is used as a soothing botanical. In a sunscreen it is valued for helping calm the look of redness and gently even out the appearance of uneven tone. It is also rich in antioxidants, which support the formula's role in defending skin against daily environmental stress.

Is Licorice Extract safe?

Yes. Licorice root extract is a long-used botanical that is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, which is part of why it is chosen for soothing formulas. Reactions are uncommon at cosmetic levels. As with any plant extract, anyone with a known botanical allergy should patch test first.

Does Licorice Extract clog pores?

Generally no. Licorice Extract is a water-friendly botanical used in small amounts, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is considered low risk for clogging pores. It is an unlikely cause of breakouts, and it is often included precisely because it is gentle on reactive skin.

What is Licorice Extract good for in skincare?

Licorice Extract is most often included to soothe the look of redness and to help brighten the appearance of an uneven or dull complexion. Its antioxidant content also helps the formula support skin against everyday environmental stress. These are cosmetic, appearance-level benefits rather than treatments for any condition.

What is Licorice Extract called on an ingredient list (INCI)?

On a label it is commonly written by its plant source, such as Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, which is the INCI form. Licorice Extract is the everyday name for the same ingredient. Related forms you might see include Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract without the common name in parentheses.

Is Licorice Extract vegan?

Yes. Licorice Extract is taken from the root of the licorice plant, so it is plant-based and contains no animal-derived material. That makes it suitable for vegan formulas, though as always the finished product's full ingredient list determines its overall vegan status.

Sunscreens with Licorice Extract

We rate 337 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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